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this edition of framework:afield, entitled science as story, has been produced in canada by claude schryer, and features conversations with his daughter, scientist clara schryer. It was originally published as episode 208 of his conscient podcast. For more of his work see https://conscient.ca. producer’s notes:
My interest in science is quite poetic. The things that I find the most interesting about science are when it can be woven into a story that makes sense, and I think that’s kind of artistic in a way: you take the scientific knowledge and make it into a more abstract kind of poetic thing.
Composer and podcaster Claude Schryer is a regular contributor to afield. This is time he offers us the final episode of the 5th season of his conscient podcast on art and the ecological crisis on the theme of ‘preparing for the end of the world as we know it and creating the conditions for other possible worlds to emerge’.
This episode features field recordings that his daughter Clara Schryer and her research colleague Noa Caspi recorded with a SONY D-100 unit that Claude lent them during a 2-month field research project at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory on Melville Island in Nunavut during the summer of 2024.
You’ll hear Clara talk about some of her favorite sounds, including the unique vibrations of ‘candle ice’:
I get to the field in early June, and on the lake, there’s two to 3 meters of ice and that only melts. Like, the lake is ice free for like, maybe a couple weeks max, sometimes not even at all, depending on the year and how much ice there was and the temperature and stuff. But this really thick ice as it melts, and I don’t know exactly how, but it forms into these kinds of candles.
In between soundscapes from the arctic, you’ll also hear Clara talk about the rapid changes in the Arctic and some of the challenges of envisioning a new future and how art might help us imagine possibilities amidst uncertainty:
Northerners are facing a new world a lot faster than the rest of us are and I’m not sure what to say other than figuring out how to… What’s the wording: creating the conditions for the new world… (for other… other possible worlds to emerge – Claude) Imagining what that new possible world could look like is tricky. (And that’s what art does – Claude). That’s what art does.
Clara reminds us that scientific knowledge can be transformed into poetic narratives and that we benefit from both scientific and artistic creative work. One might even speculate that they are more or less the same thing.
And, at any rate, all of this involves a lot of listening.
[Sections of the episode (generated by AI and reviewed by Claude Schryer)]
Welcome
In this introductory chapter, Clara joins Claude marking the season finale. They discuss the unique perspective of younger generations on pressing issues and the intersection of art and science.
A Scientist’s Journey
Clara shares her background, detailing her journey from Ottawa to studying earth system science at McGill. She highlights her passion for the outdoors and how her academic pursuits led her to a master’s program at Queens.
The Young Person’s Dilemma
Reflecting on a pivotal conversation from Clara’s past, they discuss the challenges young people face when choosing careers that can address climate change. Clara reveals her evolving mindset about making a difference in the world.
Eco-Anxiety and Climate Change
Clara talks about her feelings about eco-anxiety and the complexities of climate change. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on local solutions and the challenges of balancing personal and global concerns.
Fieldwork in Nunavut
The conversation shifts to Clara’s fieldwork at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory in Nunavut. She explains the project’s focus on hydrology, soil, and greenhouse gas fluxes, contributing to a better understanding of the global carbon cycle.
Journey to the Arctic
Clara describes the logistical challenges of reaching her field site, detailing the multiple flights and stops along the way. She shares insights about the isolation and unique experiences of conducting research in such a remote location.
Soundscapes of Nunavut
Clara introduces her recordings from Nunavut, highlighting her experiences doing field recording. She shares her favorite sounds, including the unique ‘candle ice’ and the soothing ambiance of the tundra.
Artistic Moments in the Arctic
The discussion turns to the artistic expressions Clara and her team engaged in during their time in Nunavut. From sketching to singing, they explore how creativity flourished amidst the challenges of fieldwork.
Navigating Inuit Territory
Clara reflects on the complexities of conducting research in Inuit territory as a southern researcher. She discusses the importance of understanding the historical context and the need for meaningful community engagement.
Imagining New Worlds
As they explore the theme of preparing for the end of the world, Clara shares her thoughts on the rapid changes in the Arctic and the challenges of envisioning a new future. They discuss the role of art in imagining possibilities amidst uncertainty.
The Poetic Side of Science
Clara discusses the intersection of art and science, emphasizing how scientific knowledge can be transformed into poetic narratives. She reflects on the importance of creative thinking for scientists and the value of storytelling in conveying complex ideas.
Hope Amidst Despair
The conversation shifts to the often-bleak outlook on climate change. Claude highlights the potential for regeneration and adaptation in the face of environmental challenges.
Candle Ice: A Metaphor for Change
Clara shares a poetic metaphor about ‘candle ice’ as a representation of climate cycles, illustrating how dramatic changes can be part of a natural process. This discussion leads to a deeper exploration of destruction and renewal in ecological systems.
The Jaded Scientist
Clara talks about the challenges and joys of working in earth science, expressing feelings of futility in the face of the complexity of earth science research. She discusses the importance of transparency in scientific communication and the limitations of research methods.
Shifting Focus: From Global to Local
Clara reflects on her evolving interests within the scientific field, expressing a desire to focus on local environmental issues rather than global ones. This shift highlights the interconnectedness of local and global processes in understanding climate change.